Tag: 2023 NFL draft

Film Review: Hendon Hooker shows plenty of promise in Detroit Lions debut

Film Review: Hendon Hooker shows plenty of promise in Detroit Lions debut in preseason opener

When the Detroit Lions selected Hendon Hooker in the 3rd round of the 2023 NFL Draft, there was some uncertainty on if he’d play at any point of his rookie season. Most of this uncertainty came from the Lions having Jared Goff but also, Hooker, was coming back from a torn ACL. With that, he spent most of last season on the non-football injury list.

As we move onto this season, it’s been evident that the Lions have been searching for a backup quarterback. And not just any type of backup quarterback. They want someone that can help them win, if needed. That’s why they drafted Hooker because there’s starter upside with his skill-set.

Recovering from the torn ACL last season, we weren’t able to see any type of game action from Hooker. Not the preseason nor the regular season. That said, we finally got a chance to see him play for the Lions last week against the Giants. Let’s dive into some tape to see some of what he did for the Lions in the first preseason game!

During the Lions first preseason game, they gave the starting nod to Nate Sudfeld at quarterback. As we saw through the first half and 4th quarter, it wasn’t pretty. However, when the second half opened, we saw Hendon Hooker take the field. From his first drive to his second drive, it felt like the Lions offense was actually able to move the ball down the field.

Starting with one of his five completions on the night, the Lions come out in a shotgun formation with their ’11’ personnel (one running back and one tight end). To the right of the formation, you’ll see a bunched set with two receivers. One of those receivers is undrafted rookie Isaiah Williams from Illinois. Once the ball is snapped, you’ll see Williams run a quick out.

As he runs that route, Hooker takes a quick 3-step drop and flips this pass out to Williams. Certainly, this play wasn’t a big gain but it’s one that gets Hooker and the Lions offense in-rhythm. Meanwhile, it helped jump start a 14-play drive that went 88 yards.

Moving onto the very next play of that 14-play drive, Hooker shows early rapport with Isaiah Williams. From the quick out to this crosser for a first down, it’s an encouraging sign to see this connection.

Looking at the play above, the Lions come out 2×2 with their ’11’ personnel (one running back and one tight end). Aligned in the slot to the left of the quarterback is Williams and he runs a shallow cross over the middle of the field. Staying comfortable in the pocket is Hooker and he gets this pass to Williams with ease.

Moving to the next play, I thought it was important to show Hooker working through progressions before checking down to the running back. That’s exactly what happens on the play above.

The Lions come out with their ’11’ personnel (one running back and one tight) again. However, this time, they’re under center rather than being out of shotgun. Once the ball is snapped, Hooker fakes the hand-off to the running back and begins to look downfield.

Even though it looks like he’s got the dig route open in the middle of the field, Hooker reads the linebacker that’s getting depth towards that route. So rather than forcing the throw, he flips to his left and checks this down to the running back for a 9-yard gain.

Lastly, I want to showcase the mobility from Hooker as it was on display for both drives he had in the 3rd quarter. In fact, he led the team in rushing with 34 yards on four carries. His longest run of the night was for 16 yards and it’s the run highlighted above.

Looking at the play above, the Lions come out under center with their ’12’ personnel (one running back and two tight ends). Faking the hand-off to the running back, Hooker rolls out to his left. As most of the routes downfield are covered or not fully developed yet, he quickly tucks the ball and runs into the open field.

Once he gets into the second level of the defense, he’s quickly surrounded by multiple defenders from the Giants. Rather than sliding or giving himself up on the play, Hooker drops his shoulder and absolutely levels a defensive back. With his momentum, he falls forwards and gains a few additional yards but most importantly, he kept the drive alive and picked up the first down.

If you watched the Giants and Lions game live, it was obvious that Hooker provided a much needed spark to the Lions offense. Sudfeld didn’t make the right decisions with his legs or arm but with Hooker, he provided a different dynamic. His mobility immediately stands out and the ball does jump out of his hands.

He didn’t complete every pass but he did go 5-for-9 with 34 yards passing in his Lions debut. While he did sustain a concussion in this game, we should see him at least one more time this summer before the Lions start the regular season in September. It may only be two drives but it’s starting to look like the Lions may have the viable backup quarterback option they’ve been searching for over the last three seasons.

Jahymr Gibbs rookie season film review

Jahymr Gibbs rookie season film review from Lions Wire’s Russell Brown reveals a dynamic building block for the Detroit Lions offense

When the Detroit Lions were on the clock with the 6th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they made a surprising move to trade down. This gave them the 12th overall pick and the 34th overall pick that they used to select tight end Sam LaPorta. However, they surprised everyone by selecting running back Jahmyr Gibbs out of Alabama with the 12th overall pick.

Some called it careless, and others called it clueless. It’s only been one season, but the tune towards the Jahmyr Gibbs selection has changed. It’s changed so much that some would call them geniuses.

After 15 games played as a rookie, Gibbs compiled 945 rushing yards on 182 carries and this led to 10 rushing touchdowns. Additionally, Gibbs was able to record 52 receptions for 316 yards and a touchdown.

It’s been evident that the Lions have wanted a split backfield under Dan Campbell and while they feed David Montgomery plenty of carries, that doesn’t change the way Gibbs can impact a game. Let’s dive into some film to review the rookie season from Gibbs and how impactful he really is for the Detroit Lions offense.

Now it’s extremely difficult to pick which plays to highlight from Gibbs’ first season in the NFL. That said, I picked 3 plays through my summer re-watch on his film to highlight for this article.

The first play I want to highlight is from week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings. For Detroit, they come out with their ’11’ personnel (one running back and one tight end), but they’re aligned with a condensed set on both sides of the formation.

Prior to the snap, Jared Goff sends Kalif Raymond on an exit motion to the left of the formation. Post-snap, Amon-Ra St. Brown runs underneath the line of scrimmage (LOS) and as you can see Vikings safety Harrison Smith is aligned in man coverage and goes into a full-out sprint in the same direction as St. Brown.

While this play looks like it could lead to a potential play-action pass with St. Brown spilling out to the flats, this play is a designed run. With a great combo block between Frank Ragnow and Graham Glasgow on the right side, there’s also a good kick out by Penei Sewell. As Gibbs gets the football, he follows his blockers and while he slightly hesitates, it looks like he has nowhere to go but that’s all by design.

Gibbs shows his ability to start and stop while being able to run through initial contact. The burst to get the edge and upfield gets put on display and all of this contributes to him scoring one of his two touchdowns from this game.

The next play I want to highlight is certainly a tip of the hat to the Lions offensive line. For starters, we all need to give kudos to Frank Ragnow for his ability to peel off his combo block and pick up the blitzing inside linebacker. As you can see, his body may be positioned full to the right but his head is inside and all eyes are on that linebacker.

Next, look at Penei Sewell going toe-to-toe with Joey Bosa on the right side. While Bosa gets turned around, this gives a slight opening for Gibbs and look at how explosive he is once he makes his way through the hole.

While this run is credited to excellent blocking, it’s also impressive to see Gibbs play with little hesitation on this run. As I mentioned, he puts his explosiveness and speed on display and it’s the type of play that helps set the tone.

This is one of those runs where the defense gets back to their huddle and each player has an internal conversation that they’ve got to buckle up or they’re in for a long day. Unfortunately for the Chargers, it was a long day as they gave up 200 rushing yards, 41 points and over 530 total yards.

Lastly, I want to look at how Gibbs can be a mismatch machine. For starters, if he gets a linebacker aligned over the top of him, there’s a good chance he’ll find a way to get open. He may only beat that linebacker by one step, but if he gets open, that’s all that matters.

Looking at the play above, the Lions come out with a trips right formation. Out of the backfield, you’ll see Gibbs run a speed out against the linebacker. With how shifty and explosive he can be, you’ll notice the linebacker get flat-footed and stop in preparation of Gibbs breaking the route off inside.

This gives Gibbs plenty of separation and Goff delivers a good ball to him for the first down. Even though he only averaged 2.43 yards per carry in this game, Gibbs did have 7 receptions for 39 yards in this game.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it was a strong rookie season for Jahmyr Gibbs, and it appears that he could take an even bigger step this season. While he does split backfield duties with David Montgomery, the play making ability from Gibbs is electric. That showed once he started to get settled into the Lions offense and into the NFL. From week 7 through week 17, he recorded 766 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

During the Lions playoff run, he scored in every single game and averaged 4.97 yards per carry. According to Player Profiler, Gibbs had a 8.2% breakaway run rate last season and that was second best in the NFL. Meanwhile, he evaded 56 tackles last season (3.7 per game) and that was ranked 13th in the NFL.

Whether you’re for or against taking a running back in the first round, one thing is for sure, Jahmyr Gibbs looks worthy of being selected there. He’s a difference maker with the football in his hands and it feels like he can score at any moment. Look for him to take more than just a step forward this season.

Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. set historical mark as a rookie

Joey Porter did something no other rookie cornerback has ever done before.

The demands on rookies in the NFL seem to go up significantly every year. Thankfully it seems as if rookies get to the league more prepared than ever before. Last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers got themselves a great one in cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

Technically a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, Porter ended up playing in all 17 games with 11 starts. On the season, Porter played 807 defensive snaps and did something no other rookie had ever done before. Porter only allowed 24 receptions, best of all time among rookie cornerbacks with at least 800 snaps.

Here’s how the top seven break down:

1) Joey Porter Jr.: 24
2) Sauce Gardner: 33
3) Marshon Lattimore: 36
4) Jaylon Johnson: 41
5) Pat Surtain II: 49
6) Jaire Alexander: 51
7) Jalen Ramsey: 54

Porter was the best rookie cornerback in the NFL last season. Porter took it very personally when he slid and saw four cornerbacks go ahead of him. But everything worked out perfectly as Porter was selected by the team where his father was a star and he gets to carry on that legacy.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Will Anderson’s off-field commitment shines during USAA’s “Huddle Up for Hurricane Prep”

In a partnership with USAA, Houston Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. is helping out with Hurricane Season.

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. will be the first to admit that discussing hurricane season can be an uncharted territory of conversation. 

“Being from Georgia, I didn’t know anything about hurricanes like that because we don’t really experience them, but seeing that they’re taking matters like this to spread awareness to help the community, to help them prepare the right way to help them come up with the plan, it’s really special,” Anderson told Texans Wire in an exclusive interview earlier this month.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C77DlW4AdPm/?img_index=1

The NFL’s reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year partnered with USAA and their ‘Huddle up for Hurricane Prep’ initiative to raise awareness around preparing for hurricane season in Houston.

It was an issue that instantly caught his attention after being drafted third overall out of the University of Alabama.

“It’s really the last couple of months, honestly,” Anderson said of the partnership with USAA. “Like I said, just been to see different things that happen in the state and be able to say, OK, there’s something I want to be a part of. There’s something that I think will help benefit people. That’s what I really want to do.

“I got to meet some amazing leaders of this, you know, this beautiful country, the local Coast Guard, of course, Harris County Office of Emergency and Management. To be able to be here and be able to help give back to our community, it’s really a blessing.”

Anderson, who has retired family members who served in the military, considered it an “incredible opportunity” to work with the NFL’s Official Salute to Service Partner as they were able to offer wide-ranging advice on how to prepare for the hurricane season from pets to insurance coverage.

“We just want to take the right precautions to make sure everybody prepares the right way,” he said. “They have a plan, going to the grocery store, making sure that you have a first-aid kit if anything happens because the weather can change at any moment and also make sure that we’re not leaving any pets behind, making sure you have great insurance and everything like that.”

Since arriving in Houston, Anderson has made it a mission to be impactful in the community as much as he is on the field. He’s not the only Texans rookie willing to give back to the city that selected him, either.

Last month, quarterback C.J. Stroud was seen helping clean up around the community following a massive storm that left nearly a million Houstonians without power.

 

Houston expected Anderson to be a home run hit when it moved up every aspect when they traded up nine spots last April.

It’s hard to argue that he’s delivered anything less as the rookie emerges as one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers and one of the Houston community’s faces.

Vikings LB Ivan Pace Jr. makes unique list gathered by PFF

The likelihood of finding a valuable UDFA is low, but it does happen every year, 2023 was the Viking’s year when they landed Ivan Pace Jr.

The likelihood of finding a valuable UDFA is low, but it does happen every year, 2023 was the Viking’s year when they landed Ivan Pace Jr. Now, the rest of the NFL is taking its turn in recognizing the talented linebacker and what he brings to the table.

Pro Football Focus is compiling all sorts of lists and rankings during the offseason, their latest was rather unique. The renowned football organization decided to build an All-2000’s team made up of players born in the year 2000 or later.

Yes, it made us feel old, too.

Only one Viking made the list, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. PFF, mentioned the high grade he earned and provided some other sound reasoning for his inclusion.

“(Ivan) Pace burst onto the scene in 2023 as an undrafted free agent. He picked up five total pressures on 15 pass-rushing snaps over the first two weeks and remained an asset as a pass rusher throughout his rookie campaign, as his 109 pass-rushing snaps ranked sixth among linebackers.”

Pace Jr. is expected to see his role expand much more in 2024. Brian Flores and the rest of his defensive staff came in last year and made an immediate impact. The emergence of the undrafted linebacker played a role in that, and the team recognizes that.

2024 will be a big year for Ivan Pace Jr., one way or another.

 

Looking back on the Bears’ all-time trade in franchise history

The Bears trade of the No. 1 pick in 2023 has set them up for success in the long term.

The Chicago Bears did an incredible thing for their franchise just last year. General manager Ryan Poles pulled the trigger on a trade that redefined the franchise moving forward that will help them build a winner.

After earning the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, as the worst team in the league, they opted to forgo selecting a quarterback and ride with Justin Fields. The result? One of the best trades in NFL history.

The Bears traded the top selection to the Carolina Panthers for a haul that has turned into wide receiver DJ Moore, right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, quarterback Caleb Williams and a 2025 second-round selection still on the way.

While the trade isn’t finalized yet — with that second rounder to be — it’s already one of the greatest trades in franchise history.

For one, Moore became their No. 1 receiver immediately. Even with inconsistent quarterback play from Justin Fields in 2023, Moore stood out as one of the best wideouts in the NFL.

Wright, selected at 10th overall in 2023, was one of the Bears’ best offensive linemen and looks the part of a franchise right tackle. It won’t be long until he is helping the Bears have one of the best offensive lines as a result.

Stevenson, selected at 56th overall in 2023, started immediately as a rookie and emerged as a playmaker in the secondary. With one year under his belt, Stevenson will look to build off a strong finish in his first season.

Carolina was the worst team in the NFL last season, which led to the Bears getting the No. 1 pick and selecting quarterback Caleb Williams. Chicago has never had a star quarterback that is considered elite. Williams may end up being that guy.

Getting Moore, Wright and Stevenson out of that trade is very good right off the bat. Add in Williams’ potential and you could be talking about one of the greatest trades ever made in NFL history.

As for Carolina, they selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, who struggled during his rookie year. C.J. Stroud, who was selected second overall by the Houston Texans, looks like the much better player. That is going to be a painful comparison for a long time if Young doesn’t take a step. That isn’t Chicago’s problem though as they got the best of the deal by far.

Texans QB CJ Stroud admits he was ‘hot’ over Panthers not drafting him

Texans QB C.J. Stroud brought up an interesting story about his Week 8 visit to Carolina.

Everything has seemed to work out for Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, even despite not going with the first overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft. But he’s still not afraid to reveal that going No. 2 made him feel some type of way.

Stroud and wide receiver Tank Dell were guests on the newest episode of the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast. When asked about the “craziest thing” that has ever been said to him, the 22-year-old brought up the Week 8 matchup against the Carolina Panthers—who passed him up last spring for his buddy Bryce Young . . .

No. 42, of course, is safety Sam Franklin Jr. And unfortunately for Stroud and company, it’d be Franklin and the Panthers who got the last laugh.

That Sunday afternoon saw Carolina clinch the first of only two wins on the campaign, edging out the visiting Texans on a walk-off field goal from kicker Eddy Piñeiro. Young, in the triumphant effort, completed 22 of his 31 throws for 235 yards and a touchdown while Stroud went 16-for-24 with 140 passing yards and the rushing score.

[lawrence-related id=690733,689308,685189]

Ivan Pace Jr. set to earn larger role heading into the new season

Ivan Pace Jr. had a special season after making the roster as a UDFA, but he wants more in 2024.

Every once in a while, an undrafted free agent joins a team and becomes a difference-maker. In 2023, the Vikings found one of them. Ivan Pace Jr. had a special season after making the roster as a UDFA, but he wants more in 2024.

Best part? He is ready to earn that more, starting with team workouts this Summer.

The former Miami Redhawk displayed the intelligence needed to make plays on special teams while also demonstrating the unique ability to be in the right place at the right time to make big plays down the stretch of games. According to Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune, he wants to expand his role by expanding his coverage ability.

Having sideline-to-sideline ability as a linebacker is vital to finding a sustained role on any defense. That skill to cover more ground and make more plays is what Ivan Pace Jr. hopes to accomplish in 2024. If he can do that, he will give the Vikings a formidable linebacker group with Andrew Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman.

 

Panthers QB Bryce Young comments on Week 5 matchup vs. Bears, Caleb Williams

Panthers QB Bryce Young on facing Caleb Williams in 2024: “There’s no one-on-one matchups. This is a team sport.”

For many folks, Week 5 will be about the 2023 No. 1 overall pick going against the 2024 No. 1 overall pick. But to the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, it’s really just the Carolina Panthers versus the Chicago Bears.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young spoke with reporters following Monday’s opening session of team organized activities. He was asked about the behind-the-scenes video of last week’s schedule reveal, specifically when he appeared to nod his head when learning of the matchup against Caleb Williams and the Bears.

“For real? You can’t do anything these days,” he said with a smile. “Well one, I’m excited just to get another opportunity. Again, we’re on to a new year—for all of us. We have a chip on our shoulder. Obviously, we wanna compete. We have our goals. So for us, I feel like we don’t have that luxury of looking at games like, ‘We want this.’ We gotta go out and earn everything.”

He then addressed the “Bryce vs. Caleb” storyline.

“I’ve known Caleb for a really long time,” Young added. “Great dude. I have a ton of respect for him, for his family. I have nothing but love for him. I’m super excited for him to be in the league, super excited about his future, excited to to watch him.

“So, yeah, I didn’t know I shook my head. I’ll be honest with you. I’m excited for that just like I’m excited about all the games. It’s not basketball. There’s no one-on-one matchups. This is a team sport. It’s gonna be the Panthers vs. every team.”

As for the nod, you can judge for yourself . . .

[lawrence-related id=697532,697524,697513]

1 personnel director had it right about Chiefs WR Rashee Rice

Rashee Rice could be facing a suspension for his off-field issues.

In 2023, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rahsee Rice came on strong in the second half of his rookie season to finish with 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven receptions. He looked like the kind of player many of these pre-draft scouting reports said he was and seemed to justify his selection in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft.

But this offseason has been troubling for Rice with a serious off-field issue surrounding a car accident and Rice fleeing the scene. This also lined up with at least one scouting report on Rice and perhaps the only one that was willing to note how problematic Rice’s personality is.

Here is a line from NFL writer Bob McGinn’s predraft report on Rice”

At least one team, however, has removed him from its draft board because of behavioral issues. “He’s talented, but not a good dude,” one personnel director said.

The league has yet to impose any sort of punishment on Rice for the incident but it could be significant if the league looks back into Rice’s past and takes into account another incident he had while playing at SMU. The Chiefs didn’t take a thing for granted in the 2024 NFL draft when they selected Texas speedster Xavier Worthy in the first round.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]